Lockport, NY (WBEN) Niagara County is giving gyms the green light to reopen Monday, provided they meet several requirements.
“Given the low daily rate of infection in Niagara County and the fact that other segments of our economy have opened without creating a spike in COVID infections, we are allowing all gyms and fitness centers to open on August 24,” says Legislature Chairwoman Becky Wydysh. “Both owners and patrons of these facilities have been clamoring for this for some time and since the Governor has left this decision up to local officials, we are saying it’s time to open.”
Wydysh said that a gym or fitness center can reopen under the following parameters: "Go to https://forward.ny.gov/phase-four-industries, scroll down to gyms/fitness centers, where there are links for reopening guidelines, a safety plan template and an affirmation. After carefully reviewing the documentation and ensuring facility compliance with the reopening requirements, businesses must complete the required safety plan, and can use the template to do so. Then, they must complete the affirmation that states they have read and understand their obligation to operate in accordance with the guidelines," says Wydysh.
“I know many gym owners have been working on their safety plans for some time on things like how to keep social distance and how to sanitize, so hopefully they are well prepared to meet the guidelines,” said Wydysh. “I cannot stress enough the importance for these facilities to fully understand the requirements because we will have no choice but to close facilities that are not in compliance.”
Gyms can open as early as Monday, once they affirm the guidelines are met, a safety plan is completed and an inspection is scheduled.